Chiisagata

Chiisagata lies in the Ueda basin of eastern Shinano, along the Chikuma River. Sanada Masayuki began building Ueda Castle in 1583 and consolidated his hold over the district. Twice, in 1585 and 1600, the castle withstood attacks by Tokugawa forces. During the latter siege Masayuki and his son Nobushige delayed Tokugawa Hidetada's army as it marched west toward Sekigahara, making a provincial fortress a part of a struggle for the whole country.